Cafeteria Flooring

Thoughtful cafeteria design, cafeteria flooring in particular, is more important than ever before. Today’s school cafeterias have expanded beyond their traditional role to become highly functional multi-use spaces. In many schools, cafeterias now serve breakfast, as well as lunch, in several shifts/rotations. In addition, modern “cafetoriums” function as auditoriums, study hall spaces and after-school gathering places for clubs and extra-curricular activities. This multi-function approach means constant use, even beyond the highly trafficked meal rotations, requiring industrial epoxy coatings.

Health & Safety Considerations

High-use cafeteria and cafetorium floors need to be as durable, slip-resistant and impact/abrasion resistant as ever, but they must also take serious issues of health into consideration. School cafeterias and kitchens with numerous high-touch surfaces, and tightly scheduled meal rotations can mean there’s less time to clean properly between meal services.

As a result, the space is highly susceptible to spreading colds, flu and other infectious diseases.

Along with schools’ Infection Control Plans (ICP) and targeted disinfecting protocols, thoughtfully-selected school cafeteria epoxy flooring can make a difference to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and occupants’ overall health. Facilities that select something other than seamless epoxy coatings can experience a variety of problems, as described below:

Dusts, mold, mildew and other pollutants associated with respiratory illnesses can get trapped and grow in carpets—and then get released into the environment.

Vinyl sheet and VCT are susceptible to water pooling underneath the floor—making it a perfect breeding ground for mold and pathogens.

Both carpet and vinyl offgas V.O.C’s for significant lengths of time after installation.

Aesthetics for Cafeteria Flooring

School cafeteria designers are charged with creating functional, attractive spaces that support the learning environment. Floors, like the entire décor concept, must be age appropriate to the student population. Facilities may choose among bright primary colors for very young children, a slightly edgy look that middle and high school kids can appreciate, or design-forward looks for college and university scholars. Florock’s innovative, seamless cafeteria and cafetorium epoxy flooring helps highlight overall design and also offers budget-saving, low maintenance finishes and excellent cleanability.

“We have had many different brands installed, but Florock Epoxy & Urethanes have held up to all the wear & tear of Hi-Traffic conditions better than all the rest. We have used Florock products for many years”